Help us plant trees, heal the forests and live sustainably in the Central Cordillera, Dominican republic

Details

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  Description

  We are a couple of hermits living deep in the dominican mountains, always ready to work and on a mission to protect our very isolated 310 acre land that is surrounded by the lush Armando Bermudez National Park. The idea can be described as an open, hard-working, co-housing project for anyone who is considering transitioning from an ever limiting city lifestyle to a deeply rural, connected way a of sustainable living based on ecological and regenerative principles.
  
  Three of us have been living here for a time now, while others intermittently visit throughout the year but reside in the nearby cities . There is always at least 2 of us 24/7 on the premises, taking care of the day to day things.
  
  We all have one thing in common: Protecting the land and its creatures while going back to the ancient sacred teachings of universal law: The golden rule (Do unto others as they would like them to do unto you) and the law of return (Not just take, but also give back)
  
  We are also in the process of planting several species of native trees (14,000 so far) and reserving a small area for sustainable agricultural practices like permaculture and organic farming.

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  Types of help and learning opportunities

  Art Projects

  Help with Eco Projects

  Gardening

  DIY and building projects

  Animal Care

  Farmstay help

  Help around the house

  General Maintenance
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  UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve

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  What's this?
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  Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

  It's a unique, hands-on working experience in one of the most beautiful but hidden gems in the Dominican Republic, the Cordillera Central Range, staying in what is probably the lesser known, yet more unique intentional community in the whole island.
  
  You will be able to live the true, off- grid Dominican mountain life and as a bonus you will try the delicious local cuisine by the hands of Tio Tomate, one of our members who made the top 4 on MasterChef DR S3 !

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  Help

  Hello there! We are essentially looking for travelers who are interested in assisting us in saving the very fragile and endangered forests in our remote 310 acres of land, deep in the Cordillera Central.
  
  Activities like building infrastructure. reforestation, soil regeneration, trail maintenance, farmwork, gardening, animal care, permaculture design, DIY, art & Decoration, and community service are among the most needed tasks visitors can help us with. We also need assistance with photos & film. We believe, however, that everyone has their own unique set of skills & talents, so we truly hope you feel comfortable enough to share yours with the community, as well as your opinions and points of views.

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  Languages spoken

  English: Fluent
  Spanish: Fluent
  French: Intermediate
  Italian: Intermediate

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  Accommodation

  Depending on availability, (we are almost always full) workawayers will be staying in a shared 5-person cabin or an individual room in the 3-room cabin of our common house (main cabin) which may or may not be shared depending on season and other factors. The cabin itself is not large and the rooms are small (10sq ft each) with very basic beds. However the main house has a deck, living room, kitchen, basic shower (cold water) and dry/composting toilet (not a regular flushing toilet).
  
  We also have solar power, refrigeration, fluctuating phone signal but we do have an excellent internet signal (Starlink).
  
  Food will consist in 3 meals partly based on local and seasonal produce, but also sensitive to each visitor's needs (vegan, vegetarian, omnivore, gluten free etc). but you should consider bringing specific things you like as there are no supermarkets or stores in the vicinity.
  
  Note: This is a VERY remote and sometimes difficult access area with rustic commodities and irregular weather. The nature of daily work is physical, in direct contact with soil & water (manure, compost, plants, animals, etc) and usually team-based.
  
  We suggest considering our project ONLY if you are looking for an adventure, have confidence in your fitness level and want to see a different side of the Dominican Republic, as this is certainly NOT a tropical/warm beachy setting 😅. Part of the experience consists in living the lifestyle of mountain people and its challenges/benefits, so we welcome and celebrate open minds and a flexible attitudes.
  
  To get to our farm it is very likely you will have to hike 2 hours up the mountain with assistance of horses, which we can provide. The nearest town is Matagrande, 2 hours walking/horse distance and vehicle access is 4x4 (dirt road) only possible when weather allows it. It is a an option to go on small trips to town during non-working days (2) and there is a nice river to visit and swim, but again, it will depend on weather and other conditions.
  
  IMPORTANT: Because of the challenging access to our farm, we try to set up blocks of volunteers at the the same time/day to avoid having to repeat the complex process of reaching our homestead, especially during bad weather. This helps you break the ice and meet people who will become your family for a few weeks and also as a security measure and company to get here.
  
  Travel/health insurance is recommended but not mandatory. Having said that, the closest clinic/pharmacy/hospital is a couple of hours away and this should be the driving thought behind all your decisions. We can and WILL assist you if need be, but ultimately we can only do so much in such a remote location.
  
  By coming to our farm you understand the risks associated with remote areas in a foreign country although, thankfully, we have NEVER had any serious injuries or emergencies and we are relatively confident we never will.

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  What else ...

  We have several visitors a month, both local and foreign, all of them integrating and navigating smoothly all of our schedules, activities and ultimately becoming part of our family in some way.
  
  If you are interested in possibly visiting us at any point, even if it's on a later date or you are still not sure, please write us asap , positions fill extremely quick and there can be a waiting list during peak season. In other words, it is better to contact us at LEAST 3 or 4 weeks in advance so that we can provide a space for you, otherwise you might have to camp-out or find a better time to join.
  
  The overall vibe is easy-going, open-minded and inclusive; accepting of all and hoping the same in return. We do not discriminate any lifestyle choice, orientation, religion, gender, race or any other personal matter as long as it is respectful of others. The atmosphere can be social & festive and it is common to have visitors/hikers/campers pop-up from time to time although, depending on the season, it could also be very quiet. Ask us what the mood is like at the moment!
  
  Oh, We also have animals of all kinds (2 horses, 10 cats, 4 dogs, 40 chickens) and we expect compassion and respect towards all living things, that includes insects and all fauna/flora.
  
  Important: Violence, sexual harassment, bullying, racism, bigotry/prejudice or abuse of any kind will not be tolerated in any form of expression and will result in expulsion/termination of the experience regardless of inconveniences and expenses.
  
  But you're cool, so there's nothing to worry about! Write us! Let's talk!

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  A little more information

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    Internet access

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    Limited internet access

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    We have pets

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    We are smokers

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    Can host families

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  Can host digital nomads

  We are located in a very remote area with difficult access but we do have a stable internet connection (Starlink)

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  How many Workawayers can stay?

  More than two

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  Hours expected

  Maximum 4-5 hours a day, 5 days a week

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